ROCHESTER, Mich. – An Oakland University associate professor says her research shows that some athletes may be over hydrating.
Dr. Tammy Hew-Butler studies exercise science and says a lot about what athletes have been told about dehydration is wrong. Too much water or fluids can actually be dangerous.
Hew-Butler said sodium is critical in blood because it dictates the size of cells. If you have low blood sodium, cells swell and lungs can fill with fluid. In extreme cases, the swelling can occur in the brain, which can be fatal. To further illustrate, Hew-Butler used the example of filling a balloon (meant to represent a cell) with too much water to the point that the membrane gets thinner, weaker, and eventually breaks.
By measuring athletes vitals such as temperature, blood, urine and sweat, Hew-Butler said she's discovered that bodies regulate sodium on their own. If over hydration occurs, the body dilutes sodium.
Hew-Butler will be submitting her findings to two medical journals.
Watch Paula Tutman's complete interview with Dr. Hew-Butler above.